﻿CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT﻿

Environmental Science Research

Freshman Environmental Science Research Freshman Environmental Science Research is the first of a four-year sequence of classes where you will explore scientific research and develop your own research proposals to further understand urban biodiversity and molecular ecology. Your full participation in the science research class will provide you with the opportunity to work with professional scientists and other students interested in science research. These experiences will provide you with invaluable research and life skills that will enhance your college and professional experiences. The Freshman Environmental Science Research Class stresses inquiry, field and lab data collection, writing, researching and presentation skills. Students will be responsible for completing individual and group research projects and presentations. You will work very closely with the sophomores, juniors and seniors in the research class throughout the year.Independent Environmental Science Research Independent research is designed for the motivated, creative, and inquisitive science student. The program provides interested students with an opportunity to acquire skills and concepts inherent in the science research experience. It is intended to teach students to be creative, careful, patient and exacting in their methods of study and laboratory investigations. Students will experience science through original research. Students practice scientific thinking and learn scientific processes in order to advance educational and career goals. Students will discuss differences in scientific opinions as related to the nature of scientific evidence. Research students should be proficient in formulating testable hypothesis. Knowledge and understanding of this process is gained by experimenting. After completing an investigation, students should discuss methods or strategies that may improve future investigations. Science research is a complex social activity that provides an avenue for establishing and maintaining positive life long relationships among students, teachers and mentors. It also promotes insight and analytical skills needed and addressing matters of public concern.

Marissa BellinoPh.D. CandidateThe Graduate Center, The City University of New YorkUrban Education, Science(718) 282-8910marissabellino@gmail.commbellino@gc.cuny.edubiobelize.org

The Global Environment

Environmental problems make headlines every day. How can we help to develop participatory citizens who understand the complex scientific and social issues behind the headlines, make informed decisions, and meet these environmental challenges? The Global Environment will help you to gain the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions regarding the environment and the earth’s future. We will look at the global environment through the lens of food production. By the end of this course you will be able to understand the connections between food production and such varied topics as pollution, deforestation, climate change, acid rain, soil depletion, economics, biodiversity, history, and social justice. The course stresses a systems approach in evaluating problems and potential solutions as well as an understanding of the critical role of energy in many of the environmental challenges facing the world. My educational philosophy is not to stand up in the front of the room and lecture to you. I strongly believe that you all have much to contribute to this class and I will expect that you take full responsibility for your individual learning and that of the entire class. Your participation in daily journal reflections, class discussions, and our course blog will be places for you to engage and dialogue with one another and the course readings. The spring semester is dedicated to original research where you will conduct a literature review, collect and analyze data, and write up a final research paper that will be published in our online Global Environment journal. Your research will investigate an issue of local importance and address a topic that is significant to you.